Obesity is becoming one of the fastest growing health problems in Ireland. One in eight Irish people are obese and every second person is overweight. The trends from the second SLÁN survey on people’s lifestyles show that as a nation we are becoming progressively heavier – witnessed by the 30% increase in reported obesity levels over the last four years.

Obesity is a complex condition that affects and threatens to overwhelm virtually all age and socio-economic groups. Its health consequences range from increased risk of premature death to serious chronic conditions that reduce the overall quality of life.

Obesity – the facts

Obesity in Ireland accounts for at least 2,500 deaths, each year.

Increasing obesity is associated with increasing mortality.

Obesity is directly associated with a number of serious diseases

In Ireland, 47% of people report being overweight or obese (13% obese, 34% overweight; SLÁN 2003).

Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in men in the EU and the seventh highest prevalence among women.

Scale of the Problem

Obesity in Europe is five times more common now, than it was after the Second World War. Recent trends highlight that the number of obese people is doubling every 10 years and the problem is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger people. Increases in obesity over the past 30 years have been paralleled by a dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes. In Ireland the prevalence of obesity is greater in men than in women. 14% of men and 12% of women are obese and in certain regions this figure rises to 18% and 15% respectively. This places Ireland in a unique position compared to other developed countries.

The health information contained in this website provided by Premier Medical is provided for general information and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace advice, discussions, recommendations or treatment from a healthcare provider. Decisions relating to patient care must be made with a healthcare provider.